There are a record 17,000 people at MIPIM this year from all over Europe's property industry and it is great to see Birmingham and the West Midlands well represented by its key movers and shakers.

After months of hard work and preparation, West Midlands Birmingham stand - located at the entrance to the exhibition hall - showcases some of our key developments with presentations on the plasma screens.

It is significant to see this event so well supported by the leader of the Council, Coun Mike Whitby, together with Coun Ken Hardeman, cabinet member for regeneration, Clive Dutton, newly appointed head of planning and regeneration, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham Neil Rami and Paul Spooner of English Partnerships.

Their presence reinforces Birmingham's commitment to its future and the promotion of its successes and future opportunities.

This level of support is essential when promoting our city - particularly when we are standing shoulder to shoulder with not only other UK cities, but from all over the world looking to put their best foot forward.

Since taking up his position last year, Coun Whitby has worked extensively to understand and support the property market and his presence here demonstrates his commitment to the city's regeneration.

This is an excellent opportunity for me to meet Clive Dutton and also to catch up with Neil Rami - giving me the chance to re-new our relationship which was first forged back in my Newcastle days in the Pitcher & Piano on Newcastle Quayside (no blue skies there!).

As well as these key figures, there are hundreds of developers, senior decision makers and facilitators to network with at Mipim. Although there are thousands of people here who I've never met, it's a great vehicle for catching up with those I need to re-meet from my own city.

This year I've met with a number of serious potential investors and funders for the region.

I've already initiated new contacts with existing clients, progressed existing projects with current clients and caught up with Birmingham's own agenda from those who live and work all year round in the city, but for whom time is also a precious commodity.

So, what's the gossip? There are four main schemes in Birmingham that everyone's talking about - Baskerville House, Masshouse, Colmore Plaza and The Fort, all of which are either already underway or will be starting on site this year.

It is encouraging to see each of the developers out here banging the drum for their scheme, and in turn, promoting Birmingham as a great place to do business!

I must admit that I'm a bit biased, with Knight Frank having already worked extensively with James Howarth (formerly of Frontier Estates), we know that there will be a great momentum behind his latest project through Abstract Land.

Colmore Plaza - the speculative redevelopment of the former Post and Mail building - will create over 300,000 sq ft of much needed Grade A accommodation.

This will be the only building offering 23,000 sq ft open floorplates and is one of the largest speculative schemes in the country.

As for the parties - it's where all the real deals get done!

I started the week on Cannes' fastest speed boat at 90 miles an hour and at £50,000 a year in fuel to keep it going, maybe I'm in the wrong business!

I then met My Hero Ardal O'Hanlon who provided the warm-up act for the Stranglers who were back again this year by popular demand, for my old client Akeler.

Thursday saw me entertaining more than 1,000 guests at Knight Frank's cocktail party on the roof of the Noga Hilton hotel overlooking the bay - thank goodness the skies were blue and spring was definitively in the air in Cannes - along with a real feeling of optimism.

So, what is this event about? Networking - meeting and matching the best in Europe; drawing money, experience, contacts and learning to the UK's best regional city.

We have had a fantastic response from potential investors who are actively seeking opportunities in Birmingham.

I can't give too much away at this early stage, but what I will say is that the interest is serious and the meetings are the start of something that will hopefully culminate in a substantial investment for the region.

Looking at Cannes from the apartment I'm staying in on Rue D'Antibes, I know that some in the property industry sometimes question the benefit of Mipim. I don't.

There is a drive in the property industry that wants to build on Birmingham's success - it is time to harness that ambition. So let's start putting those leads to work, and start preparing for an even bigger Birmingham presence next year!